European Students Eligible for Loans and Grants in 2018-19

The government has announced that Europeans studying in the UK will remain eligible for grants and loans in 2018-19.

Even after the UK leaves the European Union, those students from the EU will remain entitled to receive grants and loans for the 2018-19 academic year.

Ministers said attracting talent from across the globe was key to success and the announcement will go some way to easing concerns over EU students' rights post Brexit.

Separately, the government had already guaranteed financial support to those starting courses this year, but the latest announcement was welcomed by vice-chancellors.

University UK's deputy chief executive, Alistair Jarvis, said: "Students from EU countries can now apply for places on undergraduate courses starting in autumn 2018 with the confidence that they will not have to pay up-front tuition fees and will remain eligible to receive government-backed loans to cover their tuition fee for the duration of their courses.

"This announcement also means that EU students commencing courses in autumn 2018 will continue to pay the same tuition fees as UK students for the full duration of their courses, even those years past the point the UK exits the EU."

Mr Jarvis suggested it was now vital the government communicates the change in policy to prospective students across Europe.

Meanwhile, acting director of the Russell Group of top research universities, Dr Tim Bradshaw, suggested the announcement gives EU students the certainty they need when considering the UK and provides clarity to universities.